Arctic Showdown: U.S. Strategy Targets Growing China-Russia Alliance

The Pentagon has rolled out a fresh strategy for the Arctic, responding to growing ties between China and Russia.

The Arctic Strategy, unveiled on Tuesday, emphasizes bolstering military presence, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering cooperation with allies. It also acknowledges climate change as a key factor, making the region more accessible.

Increasing Military Presence

In light of the strengthening partnership between China and Russia in the Arctic, the U.S. has decided to ramp up its military presence.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks noted that China, a major financier of Russian Arctic energy projects, and Russia have been conducting joint military exercises off the coast of Alaska. This increasing collaboration raises concerns for U.S. national security.

The “2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy” points out that much of America’s Arctic infrastructure, built during the Cold War, is now deteriorating due to permafrost thaw and coastal erosion.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to enhance its military capabilities in the region, and China is trying to carve out a role in Arctic governance, despite most Arctic territory being under the control of sovereign states.

Enhancing Technological Capabilities

The strategy calls for strengthening Arctic technological capabilities, including deploying more satellites, improving data collection, and enhancing intelligence sharing with allies. The Pentagon stresses the need for readiness for operations at high latitudes to address these emerging challenges.

The document highlights the growing influence of Beijing, which has included the Arctic in its long-term planning. Although China is not an Arctic nation, it seeks to leverage changing dynamics to gain greater influence, access resources, and play a larger role in regional governance.

Chinese Involvement

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, defended China’s role, stating that China has always participated in Arctic affairs based on principles of respect, cooperation, and sustainability.

China aims to maintain peace and stability in the Arctic while promoting sustainable development. The Arctic is becoming a strategic competition hub as global warming opens up new sea lanes and resource opportunities.

The notion of Arctic exceptionalism, which suggests the Arctic should remain free from geopolitical conflict, is starting to unravel. Tensions have escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and with Finland and Sweden joining NATO, seven of the eight Arctic Council members are now part of the alliance.

Addressing Dual-Use Research

The Pentagon also pointed to dual-use research in the Arctic, where activities have both military and civilian applications. China’s three icebreakers are enabling such research efforts, conducting expeditions and testing unmanned underwater vehicles and polar-capable aircraft.

Anne-Marie Brady, a politics professor at the University of Canterbury, believes the U.S. could be more assertive in its approach. The strategy stresses the need to improve scientific capabilities in the Arctic, especially for climate reasons. The unpredictable environment, exacerbated by climate change, requires better sensors and data for forecasts and projections.

Monitoring and Responding

In response to the shifting dynamics, Deputy Secretary Hicks stated that the strategy adopts a “monitor and respond” approach.

This approach is supported by robust domain awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and cooperation with allies. The strategy emphasizes enhancing domain awareness, engaging with partners, and maintaining a calibrated presence in the region.

Ed Arnold, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, notes that this strategy is about ensuring that the Department of Defense, not just the Navy, has a cohesive plan for the Arctic.

Summary

The Pentagon’s updated Arctic strategy addresses the growing cooperation between China and Russia, the need for improved technological capabilities, and the challenges posed by climate change. By enhancing military presence and intelligence capabilities and fostering cooperation with allies, the U.S. aims to maintain stability and secure its interests in the Arctic region.

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